The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Robert F. Howell (ASN: 37632459), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 399th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Neufmaisons, France, on 18 November 1944. Private Howell was acting as squad leader as well as gunner when his squad was assigned the mission of sweeping a wooded area with machine gun fire preparatory to an assault by a rifle platoon. Upon opening fire, the squad was unexpectedly subjected to concentrated counter-fire from hostile automatic weapons and small arms. Although dangerously exposed to the enemy, Private Howell continued to man his gun and return the fire of the enemy. On the following day, Private Howell’s squad again engaged the enemy automatic weapons, and by his continued delivery of accurate fire despite the personal danger involved, he was able to keep enemy forces pinned down so that infantry troops secured the objective with a minimum of losses. During this action, Private Howell was mortally wounded by enemy mortar fire. By his personal fearlessness and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.